How do I apply for Non-Profit Housing?

Cooperative Housing Tenants

Non-profit cooperative housing is collectively owned and run by its resident members. For information about tenant services available in your complex please contact your property manager directly.

Non-profit co-op housing is a Canadian version of community based, resident owned and operated housing. Most co-ops receive government funding to reduce housing charges to affordable levels for a percentage of lower income member households in exchange for ensuring low income earners are housed. Being a co-op member means having control over your housing. It also means you have a responsibility to make sure that your co-op is a well-managed and pleasant place to live.

If you join a co-op, you will be expected to do the following:

Buy shares in the co-op

Pay a monthly housing charge

Attend members' meetings

Participate in running the co-op

join a committee or the board

help with maintenance

organize social events

Housing co-ops are mixed communities. Members of housing co-ops come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of incomes. Some members pay the full housing charge. This is often called a "market" housing charge. Other members with lower incomes pay less. This is called a subsidized housing charge. Some units in every co-op are subsidized.

Over the years, federal and provincial governments have funded various programs to help Canadians create non-profit housing co-ops. The co-ops developed under these programs provide good quality, affordable housing.